Categories > TV > Star Trek: The Next Generation > Sons of the Stars
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Chapter Five: Changes
"The wastelands led to the north sea's ice, the Helcaraxë. There the Noldor had to journey across the ice and snow to pass into the Hither Lands," Glorfindel spoke. "It seemed a long journey to us all, for it was dangerous and seemed an unending land of white and cold. The ice gave way many times and many fell into the freezing, dark waters below. Elenwë, wife of Turgon and mother of Idril Celebrindal, perished during the journey but Ecthelion, captain of Turgon's guard, saved her daughter. The mother of Eärendil would not have made it to these lands if it were not for the rescue. Despite being devastated in the loss of his beloved, Turgon remained strong of heart and continued onward but never forgot his love who was taken by the sea..."
Picard leaned forward while he listened intently to Glorfindel's story. The firelight dancing off the golden-haired elf's image almost made him seem surreal. Elrond glanced at his human companion, observing his earnest interest in the telling of the Flight of the Noldor. Being a son begotten of Turgon's kindred, Elrond knew the stories but always looked forward to Glorfindel's retelling of them. Especially since those who listened today were hardly gifted with first-hand accounts.
Elrond chuckled inwardly to himself as he realized Picard and the elf-children were listening and hanging on to Glorfindel's every word in the same manner. Picard had brought new things for Elrond; including an innocence and naïveté to their world. It helped him try to see through Picard's eyes and how new Imladris and Middle-Earth were to him. For all of his life, Elrond had been surrounded history and the lore of the elves and Edain with tales to tell of their fellows and elven kingdoms of old.
"We want to hear more!" cried one of the children.
A few more voices joined into a chorus from the young until Glorfindel smiled and motioned for them to be quiet.
"Tomorrow evening I will tell of the coming of the Sun and Moon as well as of Fingon and Maedhros," he said.
A few disappointed whimpers followed Glorfindel as he rose from his sitting position. Elrond and Picard also stood as the parents gathered their offspring to head to their homes.
"Did you enjoy the tale tonight?" Elrond asked.
"Yes, it was a wonderful story," Picard said. "However, there is a lot I did not understand. Who is Morgoth exactly? Was he ever destroyed? What came of the Noldor after they arrived in Middle-Earth?"
"Slow down," Elrond laughed. "We can tell you more another night. Perhaps you can make a request to one of the lore masters or Glorfindel himself."
"Perhaps I will," Picard said as they walked toward the main house. "Elrond, your culture is so vivid and full of such magic, one cannot help but become immersed in it."
"You are too kind, Jean-Luc," Elrond said as he led him to his room. "If you would like, I could try to teach you our writing so that you can read..."
Elrond paused as he noticed Picard's focused gaze down the hallway and that he stopped walking. Looking down the corridor, Elrond noticed two figures locked in embrace and passionately pressing together in heated kisses.
"Come," Elrond whispered as he pulled Picard away. "We can get to our rooms this way as well."
"Who was that with Lord Glorfindel?" Picard asked, shock still written in his features.
"That was Erestor," Elrond said with a fond smile. "He is a youth from the Grey Havens who followed us here after the battles in Eregion. Both he and Glorfindel were quite taken with each other. It was only recently that they sought a relationship and to consummate it."
"Oh, I see," Picard replied simply.
"Here we are," Elrond said, motioning to a doorway. "If you are in need of anything, I am three rooms away."
Picard nodded as he noted the other room.
"Good night, Elrond," Picard said.
"To you as well," the elf answered.
*
Keeping to his new schedule, Picard joined Elrond with him for their morning meal. Again the day had arrived as beautiful as the first day Picard had awakened in Imladris and he wondered if time even was noticed passing by in this land like the fairy lands of old Earth lore and fairytales. The discussion at breakfast turned quickly back to Picard's equipment and the captain did not want to intrude on the hospitality of his host any further but Elrond would have none of his excuses.
"Jean-Luc, I do not mind if you try to repair your beacon here in my study," Elrond said. "The company would be a welcome change, that is partly the reason I offered you space here."
"Are you certain? I do not want to be bothersome," Picard said.
"Not at all," Elrond said as he buttered a breakfast roll. "It would be much nicer here than in your chambers or elsewhere."
"Then I shall do that," Picard said after swallowing his drink. "I will get my tools after we finish."
A knock came at the door and Elrond gave a call to enter. Glorfindel poked his head in a moment later.
"Glorfindel, you missed breaking your fast with us," Elrond said.
"I wanted to bring you the roster for the patrols," the lord said as he handed over the paper to Elrond. "Besides, I had my morning meal in bed."
A cough, followed by a choking sound, caused Glorfindel to raise a curious eyebrow at Picard who was trying to swallow. Elrond gestured to Glorfindel to not worry and that he would explain later. Glorfindel obeyed with a confused look, closing the study door behind him.
"I apologize," Elrond said as he turned to Picard. "Glorfindel must watch his tongue at times. Not all are accustomed to his bluntness."
"No, it is quite all right," Picard said as he dabbed his napkin at his mouth.
"My people sometimes have a dual nature in whom they chose as mates," Elrond explained. "I understand your shock if this is not so in your culture."
"On the contrary," Picard said. "It is common and accepted. It just... surprised me last night. I tend to be more discreet with my liaisons."
"You have taken interest in the males of your kind?" Elrond inquired.
Picard stopped then tried to speak, "I did not mean to say that I have. However, with all the romantic interests I have had, I have shown prudence but yes; I have had... relations with another man. It was youthful curiosity and nothing more."
"That is a pity," Elrond said. "Who was he, if you do not mind to discuss this?"
Picard contemplated answering. Since the conversations they had the day before on their ride to and from the yacht, they had learned much more about each other. Rarely did Picard speak of things so intimate with another, but he felt a comfortable and non-judgmental presence in Elrond.
"My friend, Louis," Picard said.
"Ah, your boyhood friend you spoke of yesterday," Elrond said. "It is always good to have one you trust to teach you in those arts."
"You... did as well?" Picard asked in surprise, he had thought Elrond one with a preference for women.
"Indeed," Elrond confirmed. "Voronwë was his name. He is distant kin to my family but not close enough that it was improper."
"What happened to him?" Picard asked.
"He left a long time ago," Elrond said, his eyes seemingly distant. "Voronwë wanted to journey into the world and see what it held for us. However, my duty and oath to the High King kept me from such pleasures and Voronwë did not agree with my choices."
"Louis and I went our separate ways when I joined the Academy," Picard said. "He has a wife and family now. I am glad to see him happy."
"Have you looked to any others?" Elrond asked. "Among your crew perhaps?"
"No, I can not do that," Picard shook his head. "I have had female lovers but only once from my crew. It was too difficult being the captain and possibly placing her in danger."
Picard looked up in surprise as he felt Elrond's hand on his own.
"I understand you too well, Jean-Luc," he smiled a little sadly. "Enough of this distressing talk. Let us eat for now."
"That is a good idea," Picard agreed.
"When you go to retrieve your tools, bring your flute as well if you could," Elrond said. "I think some music would be wonderful for the both of us."
"That I will," Picard said.
*
Picard closed his eyes and raised his head up toward the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. The forest of Imladris was around him and he could hear the distant thunder of the waterfall mingling with the bubbling river nearby. Peaceful and beautiful was what came to mind. Rustling in the forest caught Picard's attention and he opened his eyes to gaze under the canopy. The shadows blocked the face of a figure walking toward him but Picard backed away in horror as the person became clearer.
"No! This cannot be..." Picard said to himself.
The Borg drone stepped toward him, its laser eyepieces trained on him and its mechanical arms with attached tools outstretched. Behind the drone more figures became visible as they stepped out of the forest also coming toward him. The black clothed and mechanized race kept coming with more of them appearing every minute.
Picard turned away and ran towards Elrond's study, hoping to alert others of the danger. Just as he rounded a corner of one building, he was stopped by another group of drones. Picard could hear them in his head calling to him.
Locutus...
"Stay away! I will not let you destroy this world too!" he screamed at them. "You will not have me again!"
They grabbed at him but Picard slapped their hands away, staying out of reach so that the drones could not inject him with their nanoprobes to assimilate him. Turning to run again, he stopped as he realized they surrounded him. The last thing he felt was the prickly sting as their needles penetrated through his skin.
"Jean-Luc, wake up!"
Picard opened his eyes and found himself in Elrond's study, the dark-haired elf hovering over him and holding his hands. The lord had concern and worry written across his face in the dim candlelight that flickered over his features. It was then Picard remembered where he had been. He and Elrond had taken a stroll in the afternoon before returning to the study where Elrond finished writing missives and paperwork while Picard tinkered with the beacon. After a while he had decided to take a nap on the study's divan. It was well past nightfall, as far as Picard could tell, from the darkness. A single candle on Elrond's desk lighted the room.
"I am all right," Picard said as he took a shuddery breath.
"Are you certain? You were calling out in your sleep and becoming very restless," Elrond said, then touched Picard's face. "Tears as well."
"It is over now," Picard said. "It was nothing but a dream."
"A night-terror sounds more appropriate," Elrond said.
"No worries," Picard said as he arose quickly and went to one of the windows.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when Elrond touched his shoulder. The concern in Elrond's eyes was still there and seemed more serious than before.
"Why do you fear touch? You are shivering, Jean-Luc!" the elf said as he wrapped a blanket around Picard's shoulders.
A sigh escaped Elrond's mouth when he saw Picard drop his eyes in a downcast gaze.
"I just need time to myself," Picard said, trying to move away.
"No," Elrond stayed him with a firm, but gentle grip. "You have been alone with this far too long. Let me be here for you, Jean-Luc."
"Elrond, I need to be on my own. No one understands," Picard shook his head but met Elrond's gaze as the elf touched his face with his fingertips.
"You do not need to be," the elf whispered. "Do not be alone any longer."
Picard froze as he and Elrond stared into each other's depths, knowing that the elf's words were true and heartfelt. It was possibly because of those reasons and others that Picard let himself lean in closer and the elf did the same. The lingering fear disappeared from Picard as he pressed his lips against Elrond's mouth, feeling the peace he had come to know when in the other's presence.
Elrond's warm palm cupped Picard's cheek as they moved closer, drawing them together as he slipped an arm protectively around the captain's waist. Picard did the same as he tightened his hold with certainty and want. He combed his fingers through Elrond's long hair then tucked it behind a pointed ear before having his hand rove to Elrond's neck.
They drew away after what seemed a lifetime but was only mere minutes. The taste of Elrond's lips still lingered in Picard's mouth as they finally looked upon each other with new eyes. Relieved sighs came from both of them as both embraced, Elrond nuzzling against Picard's neck as he rested against Elrond's shoulder.
"It is getting late and you still need to rest for your healing," Elrond said while he looked into Picard's eyes again.
"I believe I will sleep better now," Picard whispered, a slight blush reddening his cheeks.
Together they walked down the stairs to the lower levels and crossed the grassy knoll between Elrond's study and the living quarters. The fire could be seen nearby, a host of the inhabitants surrounding it.
"We missed the end of Lord Glorfindel's story," Picard suddenly realized.
"I know it well enough," Elrond said, winding an arm around Picard. "I can tell you it another time."
Picard let them both into his chambers when they arrived and he headed for the bathing chambers to change into his sleepwear. Once he returned to the bedroom, he found Elrond had pulled down the sheets for him.
"I will be near in my room if you have another night-terror," Elrond said. "You can come to me or I might hear you first if it is as terrible as the one before."
Picard took a deep breath, "Thank you. I hope it does not come to anything like that."
Walking Elrond to the door, Picard stopped in the doorway with the elf and caught his hand for a moment. Another wave of nerve-tingling delight passed through Picard as their lips met one last time for the night. The softness and the gentleness drew him in as the world slipped away from his thoughts. They both took deep breaths as Elrond pulled away finally.
"I will see you in the morning," Elrond said, a light caress over Picard's cheek.
Elrond entered his own chambers and set about preparing for bed. However, after changing into his own sleepwear, he sat down on his bed for a while and suddenly realized that he was not that tired. While rising to his feet, he donned a robe and went out to his balcony where the night air met him. Crickets chirped nearby giving the night a surreal feeling in the moonlight under the sparkling stars.
The changes of the night were a new and a little confusing to Elrond, but he felt an ease that settled throughout mind and body. When he first met the conscious Picard, he considered him to be an intriguing man. Elrond even pondered the notions he had of being attracted to the captain a few days before, but never considered acting upon them. Now... all that had changed and those thoughts had become real.
Muffled noises drifted toward Elrond on the wind and he removed himself from the chirping and silent reverie. /Jean-Luc.../Quickly he turned around and swept out of his chambers through the hallway. Quietly he opened the door to Picard's room and entered. Picard was obviously asleep, tossing and turning restlessly. Sitting on the side of the bed, Elrond leaned over him and placed a loving hand on his chest. A soft kiss to the captain's lips seemed to lull him into calmness again, the frantic murmuring slowly becoming softer.
With a smile, Elrond rose and walked over to the nearby divan where he placed a few pillows. Comfortably lying on the cushion across the room, the elf kept his watch for the night.
Chapter Five: Changes
"The wastelands led to the north sea's ice, the Helcaraxë. There the Noldor had to journey across the ice and snow to pass into the Hither Lands," Glorfindel spoke. "It seemed a long journey to us all, for it was dangerous and seemed an unending land of white and cold. The ice gave way many times and many fell into the freezing, dark waters below. Elenwë, wife of Turgon and mother of Idril Celebrindal, perished during the journey but Ecthelion, captain of Turgon's guard, saved her daughter. The mother of Eärendil would not have made it to these lands if it were not for the rescue. Despite being devastated in the loss of his beloved, Turgon remained strong of heart and continued onward but never forgot his love who was taken by the sea..."
Picard leaned forward while he listened intently to Glorfindel's story. The firelight dancing off the golden-haired elf's image almost made him seem surreal. Elrond glanced at his human companion, observing his earnest interest in the telling of the Flight of the Noldor. Being a son begotten of Turgon's kindred, Elrond knew the stories but always looked forward to Glorfindel's retelling of them. Especially since those who listened today were hardly gifted with first-hand accounts.
Elrond chuckled inwardly to himself as he realized Picard and the elf-children were listening and hanging on to Glorfindel's every word in the same manner. Picard had brought new things for Elrond; including an innocence and naïveté to their world. It helped him try to see through Picard's eyes and how new Imladris and Middle-Earth were to him. For all of his life, Elrond had been surrounded history and the lore of the elves and Edain with tales to tell of their fellows and elven kingdoms of old.
"We want to hear more!" cried one of the children.
A few more voices joined into a chorus from the young until Glorfindel smiled and motioned for them to be quiet.
"Tomorrow evening I will tell of the coming of the Sun and Moon as well as of Fingon and Maedhros," he said.
A few disappointed whimpers followed Glorfindel as he rose from his sitting position. Elrond and Picard also stood as the parents gathered their offspring to head to their homes.
"Did you enjoy the tale tonight?" Elrond asked.
"Yes, it was a wonderful story," Picard said. "However, there is a lot I did not understand. Who is Morgoth exactly? Was he ever destroyed? What came of the Noldor after they arrived in Middle-Earth?"
"Slow down," Elrond laughed. "We can tell you more another night. Perhaps you can make a request to one of the lore masters or Glorfindel himself."
"Perhaps I will," Picard said as they walked toward the main house. "Elrond, your culture is so vivid and full of such magic, one cannot help but become immersed in it."
"You are too kind, Jean-Luc," Elrond said as he led him to his room. "If you would like, I could try to teach you our writing so that you can read..."
Elrond paused as he noticed Picard's focused gaze down the hallway and that he stopped walking. Looking down the corridor, Elrond noticed two figures locked in embrace and passionately pressing together in heated kisses.
"Come," Elrond whispered as he pulled Picard away. "We can get to our rooms this way as well."
"Who was that with Lord Glorfindel?" Picard asked, shock still written in his features.
"That was Erestor," Elrond said with a fond smile. "He is a youth from the Grey Havens who followed us here after the battles in Eregion. Both he and Glorfindel were quite taken with each other. It was only recently that they sought a relationship and to consummate it."
"Oh, I see," Picard replied simply.
"Here we are," Elrond said, motioning to a doorway. "If you are in need of anything, I am three rooms away."
Picard nodded as he noted the other room.
"Good night, Elrond," Picard said.
"To you as well," the elf answered.
*
Keeping to his new schedule, Picard joined Elrond with him for their morning meal. Again the day had arrived as beautiful as the first day Picard had awakened in Imladris and he wondered if time even was noticed passing by in this land like the fairy lands of old Earth lore and fairytales. The discussion at breakfast turned quickly back to Picard's equipment and the captain did not want to intrude on the hospitality of his host any further but Elrond would have none of his excuses.
"Jean-Luc, I do not mind if you try to repair your beacon here in my study," Elrond said. "The company would be a welcome change, that is partly the reason I offered you space here."
"Are you certain? I do not want to be bothersome," Picard said.
"Not at all," Elrond said as he buttered a breakfast roll. "It would be much nicer here than in your chambers or elsewhere."
"Then I shall do that," Picard said after swallowing his drink. "I will get my tools after we finish."
A knock came at the door and Elrond gave a call to enter. Glorfindel poked his head in a moment later.
"Glorfindel, you missed breaking your fast with us," Elrond said.
"I wanted to bring you the roster for the patrols," the lord said as he handed over the paper to Elrond. "Besides, I had my morning meal in bed."
A cough, followed by a choking sound, caused Glorfindel to raise a curious eyebrow at Picard who was trying to swallow. Elrond gestured to Glorfindel to not worry and that he would explain later. Glorfindel obeyed with a confused look, closing the study door behind him.
"I apologize," Elrond said as he turned to Picard. "Glorfindel must watch his tongue at times. Not all are accustomed to his bluntness."
"No, it is quite all right," Picard said as he dabbed his napkin at his mouth.
"My people sometimes have a dual nature in whom they chose as mates," Elrond explained. "I understand your shock if this is not so in your culture."
"On the contrary," Picard said. "It is common and accepted. It just... surprised me last night. I tend to be more discreet with my liaisons."
"You have taken interest in the males of your kind?" Elrond inquired.
Picard stopped then tried to speak, "I did not mean to say that I have. However, with all the romantic interests I have had, I have shown prudence but yes; I have had... relations with another man. It was youthful curiosity and nothing more."
"That is a pity," Elrond said. "Who was he, if you do not mind to discuss this?"
Picard contemplated answering. Since the conversations they had the day before on their ride to and from the yacht, they had learned much more about each other. Rarely did Picard speak of things so intimate with another, but he felt a comfortable and non-judgmental presence in Elrond.
"My friend, Louis," Picard said.
"Ah, your boyhood friend you spoke of yesterday," Elrond said. "It is always good to have one you trust to teach you in those arts."
"You... did as well?" Picard asked in surprise, he had thought Elrond one with a preference for women.
"Indeed," Elrond confirmed. "Voronwë was his name. He is distant kin to my family but not close enough that it was improper."
"What happened to him?" Picard asked.
"He left a long time ago," Elrond said, his eyes seemingly distant. "Voronwë wanted to journey into the world and see what it held for us. However, my duty and oath to the High King kept me from such pleasures and Voronwë did not agree with my choices."
"Louis and I went our separate ways when I joined the Academy," Picard said. "He has a wife and family now. I am glad to see him happy."
"Have you looked to any others?" Elrond asked. "Among your crew perhaps?"
"No, I can not do that," Picard shook his head. "I have had female lovers but only once from my crew. It was too difficult being the captain and possibly placing her in danger."
Picard looked up in surprise as he felt Elrond's hand on his own.
"I understand you too well, Jean-Luc," he smiled a little sadly. "Enough of this distressing talk. Let us eat for now."
"That is a good idea," Picard agreed.
"When you go to retrieve your tools, bring your flute as well if you could," Elrond said. "I think some music would be wonderful for the both of us."
"That I will," Picard said.
*
Picard closed his eyes and raised his head up toward the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. The forest of Imladris was around him and he could hear the distant thunder of the waterfall mingling with the bubbling river nearby. Peaceful and beautiful was what came to mind. Rustling in the forest caught Picard's attention and he opened his eyes to gaze under the canopy. The shadows blocked the face of a figure walking toward him but Picard backed away in horror as the person became clearer.
"No! This cannot be..." Picard said to himself.
The Borg drone stepped toward him, its laser eyepieces trained on him and its mechanical arms with attached tools outstretched. Behind the drone more figures became visible as they stepped out of the forest also coming toward him. The black clothed and mechanized race kept coming with more of them appearing every minute.
Picard turned away and ran towards Elrond's study, hoping to alert others of the danger. Just as he rounded a corner of one building, he was stopped by another group of drones. Picard could hear them in his head calling to him.
Locutus...
"Stay away! I will not let you destroy this world too!" he screamed at them. "You will not have me again!"
They grabbed at him but Picard slapped their hands away, staying out of reach so that the drones could not inject him with their nanoprobes to assimilate him. Turning to run again, he stopped as he realized they surrounded him. The last thing he felt was the prickly sting as their needles penetrated through his skin.
"Jean-Luc, wake up!"
Picard opened his eyes and found himself in Elrond's study, the dark-haired elf hovering over him and holding his hands. The lord had concern and worry written across his face in the dim candlelight that flickered over his features. It was then Picard remembered where he had been. He and Elrond had taken a stroll in the afternoon before returning to the study where Elrond finished writing missives and paperwork while Picard tinkered with the beacon. After a while he had decided to take a nap on the study's divan. It was well past nightfall, as far as Picard could tell, from the darkness. A single candle on Elrond's desk lighted the room.
"I am all right," Picard said as he took a shuddery breath.
"Are you certain? You were calling out in your sleep and becoming very restless," Elrond said, then touched Picard's face. "Tears as well."
"It is over now," Picard said. "It was nothing but a dream."
"A night-terror sounds more appropriate," Elrond said.
"No worries," Picard said as he arose quickly and went to one of the windows.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when Elrond touched his shoulder. The concern in Elrond's eyes was still there and seemed more serious than before.
"Why do you fear touch? You are shivering, Jean-Luc!" the elf said as he wrapped a blanket around Picard's shoulders.
A sigh escaped Elrond's mouth when he saw Picard drop his eyes in a downcast gaze.
"I just need time to myself," Picard said, trying to move away.
"No," Elrond stayed him with a firm, but gentle grip. "You have been alone with this far too long. Let me be here for you, Jean-Luc."
"Elrond, I need to be on my own. No one understands," Picard shook his head but met Elrond's gaze as the elf touched his face with his fingertips.
"You do not need to be," the elf whispered. "Do not be alone any longer."
Picard froze as he and Elrond stared into each other's depths, knowing that the elf's words were true and heartfelt. It was possibly because of those reasons and others that Picard let himself lean in closer and the elf did the same. The lingering fear disappeared from Picard as he pressed his lips against Elrond's mouth, feeling the peace he had come to know when in the other's presence.
Elrond's warm palm cupped Picard's cheek as they moved closer, drawing them together as he slipped an arm protectively around the captain's waist. Picard did the same as he tightened his hold with certainty and want. He combed his fingers through Elrond's long hair then tucked it behind a pointed ear before having his hand rove to Elrond's neck.
They drew away after what seemed a lifetime but was only mere minutes. The taste of Elrond's lips still lingered in Picard's mouth as they finally looked upon each other with new eyes. Relieved sighs came from both of them as both embraced, Elrond nuzzling against Picard's neck as he rested against Elrond's shoulder.
"It is getting late and you still need to rest for your healing," Elrond said while he looked into Picard's eyes again.
"I believe I will sleep better now," Picard whispered, a slight blush reddening his cheeks.
Together they walked down the stairs to the lower levels and crossed the grassy knoll between Elrond's study and the living quarters. The fire could be seen nearby, a host of the inhabitants surrounding it.
"We missed the end of Lord Glorfindel's story," Picard suddenly realized.
"I know it well enough," Elrond said, winding an arm around Picard. "I can tell you it another time."
Picard let them both into his chambers when they arrived and he headed for the bathing chambers to change into his sleepwear. Once he returned to the bedroom, he found Elrond had pulled down the sheets for him.
"I will be near in my room if you have another night-terror," Elrond said. "You can come to me or I might hear you first if it is as terrible as the one before."
Picard took a deep breath, "Thank you. I hope it does not come to anything like that."
Walking Elrond to the door, Picard stopped in the doorway with the elf and caught his hand for a moment. Another wave of nerve-tingling delight passed through Picard as their lips met one last time for the night. The softness and the gentleness drew him in as the world slipped away from his thoughts. They both took deep breaths as Elrond pulled away finally.
"I will see you in the morning," Elrond said, a light caress over Picard's cheek.
Elrond entered his own chambers and set about preparing for bed. However, after changing into his own sleepwear, he sat down on his bed for a while and suddenly realized that he was not that tired. While rising to his feet, he donned a robe and went out to his balcony where the night air met him. Crickets chirped nearby giving the night a surreal feeling in the moonlight under the sparkling stars.
The changes of the night were a new and a little confusing to Elrond, but he felt an ease that settled throughout mind and body. When he first met the conscious Picard, he considered him to be an intriguing man. Elrond even pondered the notions he had of being attracted to the captain a few days before, but never considered acting upon them. Now... all that had changed and those thoughts had become real.
Muffled noises drifted toward Elrond on the wind and he removed himself from the chirping and silent reverie. /Jean-Luc.../Quickly he turned around and swept out of his chambers through the hallway. Quietly he opened the door to Picard's room and entered. Picard was obviously asleep, tossing and turning restlessly. Sitting on the side of the bed, Elrond leaned over him and placed a loving hand on his chest. A soft kiss to the captain's lips seemed to lull him into calmness again, the frantic murmuring slowly becoming softer.
With a smile, Elrond rose and walked over to the nearby divan where he placed a few pillows. Comfortably lying on the cushion across the room, the elf kept his watch for the night.
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